His first round of surgeries, which had involved lengthening and widening, had not proven successful.

"The ligament regrafted itself onto the dermal fat graft and I got some retraction," he said.

That surgery cost him $45,000. Mike drew down on his mortgage to pay for it, after completing a particularly lucrative construction contract.

Now he's looking at another $18,000 for further work, and considering a more serious surgery that will require general anaesthetic and cost even more – around $50,000.

It's not vanity that's prompting him thought – his condition has had very real effects in his life.

"It's certainly affected my confidence," he said. "Going through school it became more and more evident, and other boys thought I was an easy target."

"I never did football. Going in for a shower in groups of men doesn't happen."

For men like Mike, there are very few places to turn when seeking serious, helpful advice.

"It's difficult to have a conversation about it that doesn't descend into smut," he said. "There are not many people I can talk to about it. I don't bother explaining it to most people or even bringing it up."

"We put too much pressure on men, the same way women put too much emphasis on box gap or boob size or bikini bridges."

The medical profession wasn't always sensitive to his condition either.

"My mum took me to a paediatrician, and made the mistake of mentioning that I was small," he said.

"The [female] paediatrician said, 'Alright, let's have a look'. When she saw it she said, 'I've seen smaller'. And that was that. Obviously I never grew, so that was a massive f--- up."

"Paediatricians should take it more seriously when given the opportunity to start administering treatment for growth related problems."

Another challenge that Mike has faced is the difficulty separating the legitimate doctors from the frauds in the area of penile surgery.

"There are a lot of shonks out there, but there are some good surgeons too," he said. "I think I'm going to the right one."

Mike works in a male-dominated industry and town, which presents yet another barrier in attempts to find a sexual partner.

He told 9 Stories that he hasn't been with a woman since his first surgery, so he hasn't "had a chance to try it out yet."

And he admits that socialising with women with a view to romance is difficult as well.

"Where I live, it's a bit of a sausage-fest. But then I always put myself in a position where I have the least chance to meet someone."

To other men who may be experiencing the same thing, Mike offers support and condolence.

"Hang in there," he said. "If you need to seek therapy or surgery, the options are there."